What is a primary contributor to the creation of algae blooms?

Increased nutrients is a primary contributor to the creation of algae blooms because excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, stimulate the rapid growth of algae in aquatic environments. These nutrients often come from sources such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharges, and urban stormwater. When nutrient concentrations are too high, they lead to a condition known as eutrophication, promoting dense algal growth that can create blooms.

As algae multiply, they can block sunlight from reaching other aquatic plants, which disrupts the ecosystem balance. Additionally, when these blooms die off, their decomposition can result in oxygen depletion, significantly affecting fish and other aquatic organisms. Therefore, managing nutrient levels in water bodies is crucial to prevent the occurrence of harmful algal blooms and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems.